Epic beauty, wildlife and prehistory — Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path
Hiking Collection by Dan Hobson
8
Tours
56:19 h
132 mi
6,400 ft
The Isle of Anglesey is a place of immense beauty where wildlife flourishes, Welsh culture thrives, and ancient sites seem ten-a-penny. Almost the entire Anglesey coastline has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which means every step of this hike explores some of Britain’s most cherished coastal scenery.
The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path begins in Holyhead and makes a 130-mile (200 km) loop around the entire island, sticking to the coastline for the most part. The trail explores a wonderfully-contrasting landscape of secluded beaches, coastal heath, wild dunes, farmland, salt-marshes, cliffs, woodlands, plus pretty towns and villages.
Boasting the greatest concentration of ancient sites in Wales, many of which you see on this trail, Anglesey is a wonderful place to step back in time. You will visit many other historic sites, such as 12th-century churches and mighty castles.
In this Collection, I’ve split the route into eight stages of between 14-18 miles (23-29 km). Each Tour finishes close to accommodation and somewhere for food and drink. Of course, you can split up each stage into as many days as you are comfortable with. However, places to stay are not always abundant so it is worth planning ahead.
There’s no set way to walk the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path. However, completing it clockwise, as per this Collection, means you make an epic finish on Holyhead Mountain, gazing over all you have hiked.
If you are planning to arrive by public transport, you can catch a train to Holyhead, which has connecting services around Britain, typically via Chester or Crewe.
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Last updated: April 28, 2022
Tours & Highlights
- Expert05:5514.3 mi2.4 mph350 ft275 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path starts on Holy Island, a place of golden coastline, historic buildings and ancient remains.
You begin outside the 13th-century St Cybi’s Church and follow the trail around the Port of Holyhead.
When you reach Penrhos Beach Road, it is worth a detour to see Trefignath Burial…
by Dan Hobson
- Expert07:1717.0 mi2.3 mph925 ft1,000 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Rocky islets, 12th-century architecture and expansive coastal views combine on this enchanting hike.
From Church Bay, you follow the undulating coastline past ancient cairns and soon arrive at Traeth y Fydlyn, a beach at the end of a remote valley next to the islets of Ynys y Fydlyn.
Hike over Pen Bryn…
by Dan Hobson
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- Expert07:3517.5 mi2.3 mph1,125 ft1,125 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Expect beautiful bays, golden beaches and picturesque coastal walking throughout on this heavenly hike.
With 17.5 miles (28.2 km) of distance and 1,125 feet (343 m) of elevation gain, this stage is the most challenging in the itinerary and will really test your mettle.
From Bull Bay, the trail follows…
by Dan Hobson
- Expert07:1917.0 mi2.3 mph1,075 ft1,100 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Historic castles, Iron Age remains, impressive geology and wildlife-rich bays combine to make this a memorable hike.
From Benllech, the trail passes Benllech Sands and the impressive Castell Mawr Rock, a large limestone rock that was once an Iron Age hillfort and is now a sanctuary for nesting seabirds…
by Dan Hobson
- Expert07:2717.4 mi2.3 mph950 ft950 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Stage 5 affords wonderful walking, prized architecture and the opportunity to step inside a Neolithic burial chamber.
To start, make a sharp ascent through woodland and emerge into open countryside. It’s then a gradual descent to the Menai Suspension Bridge, which was built in 1826 to link Anglesey with…
by Dan Hobson
- Expert06:2115.2 mi2.4 mph450 ft450 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Expect golden beaches, wild dunes, breathtaking views and classic coastal walking on this stage, which also explores one of the best places in Britain to spot the rare red squirrel.
From Dwyran, join the Afon Braint for a short while before entering Newborough Forest. Home to myriad species of birds…
by Dan Hobson
- Expert07:2818.1 mi2.4 mph400 ft400 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
This stage explores the golden coastline and affords the opportunity to see decorative Neolithic stones.
At 18.1 miles (29 km), this is the longest stage in the itinerary. However, with level walking throughout, the Tour provides an achievable challenge.
From Aberffraw, follow the Afon Ffraw to where…
by Dan Hobson
- Expert06:5715.9 mi2.3 mph1,125 ft1,125 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The final stage takes you to the highest point on Anglesey, giving you a chance to gaze over all that you have hiked.
From Rhoscolyn Beach, the trail winds around the coastline and you can observe some impressive natural rock arches. From the golden sands of Trearddur Bay, continue along a particularly…
by Dan Hobson
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Collection Stats
- Tours8
- Distance132 mi
- Duration56:19 h
- Elevation6,400 ft
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